acupoints

By Brook Beijing University of TCM

acupoints
Also called "acupuncture points", "acupressure points", acupoints are located on the organ meridians and on two of the extraordinary vessels. They are areas of potential imbalance, where Qi, which circulates in the meridians, is most likely to become obstructed. Western research has shown that approximately 85% of the classical acupoints have a higher electro-magnetic resistance than the immediate surrounding area. This implies that they are areas where electro-magnetic current, our "information highway", is most likely to be disrupted.

 There are 364 classical acupoints points on the organ meridians and on two of the extraordinary vessels, the Governing and the Conception vessels. Besides being areas of potential obstruction in the flow of Qi, many of the acupoints have specific energetics, are used as diagnostic points, and impart information to the body. As an example, the acupoint, Lieque "Relieves the Exterior and Dispels Wind, Promotes the Descending Function of the Lungs, Benefits the Head and Neck, and Opens and Regulates the Conception Vessel." When combined with Hegu it is used for the common cold, when combined with Zhaohai it is used for chronic sore throat. It may also be used to treat headache and stiffness of the neck and nape.

 The UN (United Nations) has standardized the names of the classical acupoints. They are named for the organ meridian they are on, and the order in which they fall. Besides the classical acupoints, there are hundreds of "extra points", of which approximately 20 are used with frequency.

Organ Meridians
The "Meridians" are energy lines that circulate the "life force", or Qi, throughout the body. They can be thought of as an energy grid through which all life derives its power. The meridians contain acupoints, which are located in areas that are particularly difficult for Qi to pass through, and which have specific energetic functions that affect specific organ meridians or the system as a whole.

The 12 Energetic Organ Meridians

LUNG SPLEEN HEART KIDNEY PERICARDIUM LIVER LARGE INTESTINE STOMACH SMALL INTESTINE BLADDER TRIPLE WARMER GALLBLADDER

 The organ meridians are "bi-lateral", meaning that they appear on both sides of the body, and act as a grid through which Qi, or life energy, flows. The organ meridian network organizes all physical and mental processes, and links the structural components of the body. The organ meridians are so named, as many of their functions are similar to the functions of "Western organs", but should not be confused with "Western organs".

Extraordinary Vessels
The Extraordinary Vessels are believed to be formed in the fetus, prior to the formation of the 12 organ meridians. French and Japanese texts postulate that the subtle organization of the Extraordinary Vessels serves as a matrix in which energetic organization and cellular differentiation occur. This matrix is present at the moment of conception and organizes the structuring of energy from the earliest multicellular stages of fetal development.

 The Extraordinary Vessels, also known as the "Curious Vessels" or "Flows", are likened to "seas" or "lakes" that hold and disperse Qi, whereas the organ meridians are seen as "rivers" through which Qi flows. They play an important role in adjusting and controlling the flow of Qi and Blood in the 12 organ meridians, act as reservoirs of energy that is available to fill the principal meridians when they face a deficient condition, and to receive energy overflow when the principal meridians are in a state of excess/stagnation. The extraordinary vessels also act as a homeostatic equilibrium system, allowing the energy circulation network to operate efficiently in maintaining healthy activities.


jingluo is the Chinese desination for the system of channels and collaterals.(Jing is the channel; Luo is the collateral or branches of Jing. : The original meaning of the ideogram Jing is the warp threads provide the structure of the woven fabric as the channels are the structural elements of the body. Luo means to connect, to knot. The Luo vessels connect the coupled channels (Jing) with each other.

Point Categories
shu The ideogram shu means to transport. In the Chinese literature there are two other ideograms that have the same meaning: Two different groups of shu points are known: 1 The bei shu points are located on the urinary bladder channel. They are called transport points. Bei means back. (back shu points)

 2 The wushu points, the five kinds of shu points, are known as the five antique points in the western literature. They are located distal to the elbow or knee and transport the vital energy. They were imagined as the changing course of a river from its source to the sea. The five shu points (wushu) are:

 Jing meaning the wellspring, the source of the river. Xing is the second stage of a river, also called ying or rong. Xingze or Xinghai is an old sea in the Henan Province in the middle course of the Yellow River. In the Han Dynasty this sea became silted up. The ideogram for xing consists of an upper part, with the sign for fire twice, and a lower part, with the sign for water, and the sign for to cover with between the two. According to the theory of five phrases, xing point is related to the fire in the yang channels and the water in the yin channels. Shu is the third antique point. Here the ideogram shu means to flow (transport). Jing has the original meaning of warp threads and signifies here that the Qi streams flows through.

 He means a fowing together or delta and implies in this connection that the streams flow from the extremities into the sea of the internal organs. Mu means to collect, knot together. Mu points are also called the meeting points of the vital energy of the Zangfu organs. Because of their diagnostic function they are called alarm points. Xi menas cleft. These are collecting points of vital energy. Needing of Xi points activates the flow of Qi in the channel. Ah shi Ah is an interjection. Shi means correct or yes; Ah also means right in Chinese.

acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of a 2500 year old science of natural healing called Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes Asian bodywork therapy (Shiatsu, Tui Na, Thai massage) as well as Chinese Herbal therapy. Acupuncture has become an accepted treatment modality worldwide, is currently regulated and licensed by the governments of Germany, France, Britain, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, many of the United States, British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta, and is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective form of natural health care for many conditions, including:

Anxiety and depression Headaches and migraines Stress, Insomnia and fatigue PMS and menopausal syndrome Hypertension and high blood pressure Infertility, Fertility Enhancement, and Assisted Reproductive Technolgy (ART) Neck pain, whiplash, and shoulder pain Trauma: Sprains, Strains, & Broken Bones Acute and chronic back pain; sciatica Indigestion, nausea, and GI concerns Constipation, diarrhea, and bowel disorders Chemo and radio-therapy support Paralysis due to stroke

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture needles are inserted into empirically specific points, called acupuncture points, acupoints, or tsubos, located along the organ meridians, to stimulate the smooth flow of Qi. According to TCM, this promotes the proper functioning of the muscles, nerves, vessels, glands and organs, affecting the body's immune system, heart rate, brain activity and blood pressure. Modern Acupuncture uses extremely thin, sterile, laser made, disposable needles to regulate the vital force, or Qi, that courses through the meridians of all living organisms. TCM postulates that pain and illness is caused by an obstruction of the flow of Qi in one part of the body and an accompanying depletion of Qi in another part of the body. The needles are used to set up an energetic pattern to remove the obstruction, fill the depletion, and encourage the smooth flow of the vital force throughout the body, returning the individual to their optimal level of well being.

 Many western doctors and researchers believe that these points can stimulate the nervous system to release endorphins and other naturally occurring chemicals and hormones that affect pain perception, mood, and overall health.

 In double blind clinical trails, acupuncture has proven effective in treating chronic pain, helping from 55% to 85% of patients.3 This compares favorably with the effectiveness of potent drugs, such as morphine, which helps in 70% of cases. Acupuncture is currently being used in the United States, and in some parts of British Columbia and Ontario, Canada, as part of court-ordered, drug withdrawal, detoxification programs. In an impressive study, 42% of alcoholics remained alcohol free for three months, and an additional 28% drank much less.4 These are phenomenal numbers when compared with any other type of drug therapy.

 There are also clinically controlled studies showing acupuncture more effective than a placebo, and comparing favorably with conventional therapies, for the treatment of headaches and craniofacial pain, cervical and lumbosacral pain, asthma, chemically induced nausea, gynecological disorders such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, paralysis due to stroke, and primary hypertension. In the first government-funded clinical study in the United States on acupuncture, it was shown to compare favorably with conventional drug therapies in the treatment of depression.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is said to not be painful, but that does not mean that there are no sensations involved. With modern needles, the likelihood of eliciting pain is minimized. Although the needles are extremely thin and sharp, their tips are actually rounded to allow them to "slide" as much as possible through the skin, off of nerves and sinews, causing as little trauma as possible to the tissue.

DeQi
The initial insertion of the needle may resemble a small prick, but is often not felt at all. After the needle has been inserted, the acupuncturist may manipulate the needle to reach "de Qi". Reaching the level of Qi, or vital force, is usually accompanied by a sensation of distention, throbbing, a radiating to another part of the body, or a brief electrical sensation. The only sensation that the acupuncturist does not want is one of sharp, cutting pain, which implies that the needle is on a nerve or has tissue wrapped up on it: in this case the needle is simply moved, and no harm is done.

After "de Qi" has been reached, the needles may be left alone or manipulated a few times during treatment, dependent on what type of message the acupuncturist wants to transmit. The needles are usually left in for 10 - 45 minutes. During this time it is not uncommon to notice various sensations in different parts of the body, or even "feelings", arising. These sensations, or feelings, often denote obstructions in the flow of the vital force, and the client may be instructed to simply observe the feelings and sensations arising without judgement, or use the breath, and the power of imagination, to encourage the smooth flow through the obstructed area. Many people are pleased to find that relaxation and an elevation of spirit usually accompany an acupuncture session. People often fall asleep during treatment.

The circuit of Qi


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